ANDROID_TARGET_API_36_REQUIRED Deadline: November 1, 2026
App must target Android 16 (API level 36)
Complete compliance guide and 24-48h emergency intervention service guaranteed by our technical task force.
TL;DR — Quick Synthetic Fix
Update the `variables.gradle` or `build.gradle` file by setting `targetSdkVersion = 36` and `compileSdkVersion = 36`, then adapt permissions and compile with Android Gradle Plugin 8.5+.
Problem Description & Store Risk
Google Play requires that all active apps target Android 16 (API 36). Without this upgrade, publishing new versions and app updates is completely blocked on the Play Console.
Step-by-Step Fix Procedure
To meet Google Play Console requirements regarding API 36 (Android 16):
1. Open your Android project (`android/variables.gradle` or `android/app/build.gradle`).
2. Update the target versions:
```groovy
ext {
compileSdkVersion = 36
targetSdkVersion = 36
minSdkVersion = 23
}
```
3. If you use Capacitor, update dependencies to the latest Capacitor 6 or 7 compatible version.
4. Update Java/JDK to Java 17 or 21 in the Gradle configuration.
5. Verify Foreground Services declaration if your app uses background location or audio playback.
android/variables.gradle
ext {
minSdkVersion = 23
compileSdkVersion = 36
targetSdkVersion = 36
androidxActivityVersion = '1.9.0'
androidxAppCompatVersion = '1.7.0'
} 24h Intervention by Julien Kermarec
Prefer to have an Ionic Expert handle it?
We take over your codebase, apply the compliant fix, and resubmit your app to the Stores on your behalf.


